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What Is Amphetamine Salt Combo?

Lee Prangnell
Lee Prangnell

Amphetamine salt combo is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. These salts are typically combined to create a pharmaceutical product known as Adderall XR™, which is a common treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The amphetamine salt combo within the Adderall XR™ is present because this is the way the drug was originally synthesized by the manufacturer. In the clinical trials conducted by the original manufacturer of Adderall XR™, this combo played a major role in the drug's efficacy for treating ADHD and narcolepsy.

Dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine aspartate monohydrate and amphetamine sulfate are the four salts present, in equal shares, within the Adderall XR™ amphetamine salt combo. Adderall XR™ is officially approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. According to the manufacturer of Adderall XR™, the amphetamine salt combo in the drug increases overall efficacy because it makes the stimulant effect and withdrawals smoother. This is useful for the treatment of ADHD because the smoother stimulation effect is more efficacious for the hyperactivity aspect of the disorder.

Amphetamine salt combo can be used to treat narcolepsy.
Amphetamine salt combo can be used to treat narcolepsy.

Amphetamines, including amphetamine salts, are in a class of psychostimulant drugs known as phenethylamines, which have the primary side effects of psychological and physiological stimulation. This stimulation occurs because the drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain. Although amphetamines are clinically proven to have therapeutic utility, there is a high potential for recreational abuse. Amphetamines are notoriously addictive because euphoria is one of their main side effects, especially in excess of the recommended medical dosage. For this reason, medical practitioners typically refrain from prescribing this drug to patients who have a history of or susceptibility to substance abuse.

Amphetamine salts increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Amphetamine salts increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.

Chronic use of an amphetamine salt combo can produce a variety of unwanted side effects, including loss of appetite, insomnia, weight loss, and depression. In more severe cases, a patient may experience amphetamine psychosis, which is a psychotic disorder typically characterized by paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. Adderall XR™ is a very potent drug and has the potential to be toxic to a number of organs in the human body. If the drug is used in combination with certain other types of medication, including a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant, a patient may experience a potentially fatal toxic neurological reaction. Therefore, a qualified medical practitioner will always assess whether there are existing contraindications with other drugs.

Amphetamine Salts vs Adderall

If you or your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, your physician may have recommended that you try medication to manage your symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD often include a combination of the following:

  • Trouble paying attention
  • Difficulty staying on task
  • Disorganization
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity
Patients who take monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants should avoid taking an amphetamine salt combo.
Patients who take monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants should avoid taking an amphetamine salt combo.

It's easy to see how unrelenting symptoms of ADHD can lead to difficulties in a person's school activities, work tasks, and social life. People with ADHD are capable of learning organizational strategies and life hacks for paying attention, but they are often unable to employ this knowledge without being adequately medicated.

Types of ADHD Medication

Amphetamine psychosis is characterized by paranoia.
Amphetamine psychosis is characterized by paranoia.

There are many different ADHD medications, and many of them fall into different drug classes. If you are an adult, your doctor may prescribe Wellbutrin, which is an antidepressant that is used to raise levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. This chemical change often helps with ADHD symptoms. Other medications typically used for both adults and children are classified as stimulants and non-stimulants. Strattera and Effexor are examples of non-stimulant medications. Adderall, Ritalin, and Focalin are examples of stimulant medications.

Amphetamine Salts for ADHD

Chronic use of amphetamine salt combo may cause insomnia problems.
Chronic use of amphetamine salt combo may cause insomnia problems.

Amphetamine salts are frequently used in medications for ADHD. These compounds are central nervous system stimulants, which mean they can make a person feel more alert, focused, and confident in his or her decisions. Adderall is a combination stimulant medication for ADHD that is a combination of amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine.

What Is the Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine?

Amphetamines have a high risk of recreational abuse.
Amphetamines have a high risk of recreational abuse.

Some people may be concerned that amphetamine salts are dangerous or connected to illegal drugs, and parents may be wary of giving their child medication with a name similar to an illegal drug. These substances are not the same. Amphetamine salt medications are FDA-approved, legal treatments for both ADHD and narcolepsy, but these drugs do share a few similarities with stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine.

Amphetamine Salts

Side effects of an amphetamine salt combo may include loss of appetite.
Side effects of an amphetamine salt combo may include loss of appetite.

Amphetamine salts are only available by prescription, and they can be highly addictive if abused. These medications are not illegal, but they are carefully controlled by doctors and pharmacists. It's important to monitor your (or your child's) use of Adderall to make sure that he or she is only taking the necessary dose. The same guideline applies to adults as well.

Methamphetamine

Some children with ADHD may refuse to take medication of any kind for the condition.
Some children with ADHD may refuse to take medication of any kind for the condition.

Methamphetamine, or "meth", is an illegal drug. It is a stimulant, like amphetamine salt medications, but it is more addictive, more dangerous, and never appropriate for the treatment of any medical condition. Meth activates the central nervous system in a similar way to Adderall, but it can cause severe damage to the nervous system. Deaths by an overdose of methamphetamine are frequent.

Amphetamine Salts Side Effects

Though amphetamine salt combo medications work well for the majority of people who take them, they can also have moderate to severe side effects. A small number of people who take this medication will have no side effects, but many will experience one or more of the following adverse events:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or stomach upset
  • Weight loss
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Irritability and agitation

You may still be able to take Adderall or another amphetamine salt medication if you experience side effects, but it's important to talk to your physician about how you feel while taking this medication. Some side effects, such as dry mouth, may not bother you or cause health problems, while consistent nausea and trouble sleeping can significantly interfere with your quality of life (even if you can concentrate well).

Additionally, amphetamine medications can be highly addictive and lead to physical and psychological dependence on the drug to feel as though you are functioning normally. If you have a history of addiction, you may want to steer clear of this medication or exercise caution while taking it.

How Do I Choose the Right ADHD Medication?

There is no one-size-fits-all ADHD treatment. Some people may need to take amphetamine salt medication year-round to experience symptom relief, while children and teens may be able to take "medication holidays" where they take a break from their medications during school breaks when they do not need to focus as intently.

Stimulant medication for ADHD is not right for everyone. Many people may look for alternative treatment if they do not like how they feel while taking Adderall. More sensitive patients may wish to conquer their ADHD symptoms with a combination of non-stimulant medication and therapy. Ultimately, it is up to the patient and his or her physician or nurse practitioner to determine the right balance of medication, counseling, and lifestyle modification to achieve the desired level of symptom relief.

Discussion Comments

anon1005131

Agree 100% psychosis is bad for the whole family. Any suggestions on an alternative or even natural would be helpful.

anon1005130

I really don't want to get back on adderall trying to find an alternate.

anon991546

@literally45: I take d-amphetamine salt combo and I can tell you

that the benefits far outweight any side effects he may have. He

may not have any side effects at all. It really does help al ot. I gave them a chance and I am so glad I did.

anon975116

My landlady and neighbor takes amphetamine salts and boy, you can tell when she is waiting for her prescription for such to be filled, or she is unable to get it filled for a couple days. She just crashes into depression. And more than once I have seen her so "wired up" she can't sit still or finish any task she starts, no matter how small. These times are few and far between but still, it's something to consider because once you're on it there is no going back without some consequences.

turquoise

This medication is sometimes prescribed for off-label uses. For example, I'm taking it for social anxiety and depression. It has been very helpful. I feel that it reduces my negative thoughts and makes me more confident and outgoing.

I won't be taking it for a long time though. My doctor doesn't want me to become reliant on amphetamines. So this is just for the short-term.

ZipLine

@literally45-- I realize that not everyone react the same way to drugs, but I've personally not experienced any negative side effects on amphetamine salt combo.

The old version of this drug was slightly more problematic because it required taking multiple doses throughout the day. But the new version is extended release so it only requires one dose.

As for amphetamine psychosis, I think that only occurs after many years of using d-amphetamine or it happens when the drug is abused. Your son is not going to develop psychosis after taking this drug at the recommended dose for a year or two.

literally45

My son's doctor wants him to take d-amphetamine salt combo for his ADHD. I don't want him to though because of the side effects. It sounds like the side effects outweigh the benefits. I especially don't want my son to be on something that will cause psychosis.

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    • Amphetamine salt combo can be used to treat narcolepsy.
      By: Klaus Eppele
      Amphetamine salt combo can be used to treat narcolepsy.
    • Amphetamine salts increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
      By: marksykes
      Amphetamine salts increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
    • Patients who take monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants should avoid taking an amphetamine salt combo.
      By: ivolodina
      Patients who take monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants should avoid taking an amphetamine salt combo.
    • Amphetamine psychosis is characterized by paranoia.
      By: milkovasa
      Amphetamine psychosis is characterized by paranoia.
    • Chronic use of amphetamine salt combo may cause insomnia problems.
      By: tiplyashina
      Chronic use of amphetamine salt combo may cause insomnia problems.
    • Amphetamines have a high risk of recreational abuse.
      By: Jacek Chabraszewski
      Amphetamines have a high risk of recreational abuse.
    • Side effects of an amphetamine salt combo may include loss of appetite.
      By: Ivonne Wierink
      Side effects of an amphetamine salt combo may include loss of appetite.
    • Some children with ADHD may refuse to take medication of any kind for the condition.
      By: Tony Northrup
      Some children with ADHD may refuse to take medication of any kind for the condition.